Christian Basics 64

Communion. James 5:14. What does James mean by "anointing him with oil"? Is this a special act of divine significance? In the ancient Near East oil was used for refreshment and invigoration (2 Sam 12:20, Ps 104:15, Mt 6:17). James is commanding the spiritually weary believer—he whose faith is too weak to pray properly—to call for the church elders who would refresh him by rubbing him with oil. It is further commanded that mature believers help the one who is spiritually fatigued.